It’s not the first time pop culture and hard hitting news have collided, most commonly seen in celebrity deaths. However it’s paramount to the fact that news is becoming more and more click driven. I mean, why else would the ABC be running this story?

Generally speaking if I’m interested in finding out about music news I would be heading straight to the music websites (or more likely letting them appear on my facebook feed). Brisbane Times isn’t exactly where I’d expect to hear about an artist dropping a new single, and it’s certainly not something I’d be looking for on their website.

But there it is, both Fairfax and the ABC jumping on board the Taylor train in hope of getting even just a small slice of the revenue pie. And considering I clicked on and read both of these articles, I guess it’s working.

It’s 6:55 at night and I’m sitting at a bus stop madly typing away on my phone as I’ve finished a long day at work as a capitalist slave, when I realised two things:

I have a pitch to do.

I need to write a blog post for #QUTOJ1

Fortunately for me that pitch happens to be for everyone’s favourite Buzzfeed alternative Junkee which, in case you never changed from dial-up internet, you’ve probably heard of.

And so if you’ve heard of Junkee you’ll know that it is in fact a website on the internet.

How fitting that I have to write a blog post about online journalism as I am preparing myself to pitch for some online journalism! Which I also left until the last minute?

Pitching is this weird thing that I guess you sort of touch on at uni but it’s not until you’re out and working you really realise how important it is. And it kind of feels like pitching for online has a whole different art to it.

For example, I spent two weeks working for ABC Wide Bay where every morning started with me chatting to the producer about what I was going to chase for the day. Although it was important to keep the audience in the back of my head it never really crossed my mind as to whether I’d care or not if they liked my stories?

However for Junkee, it’s like there’s this need to not only impress the editorial team but also the readers?

Will anyone actually click on this?

Does my style really suit?

Is this even a good story?

What will the internet trolls say?

What if the editor hates my idea?

I guess you never really think about these things in broadcast journalism because at the end of the day, most of the people who are tuning in just have to accept whatever you present to them. But with online, they’re actively choosing to read your story.

1. Protecting the Great Barrier Reef

You know, that reef that is valued at $56 billion dollars and is currently being harmed by crown-of-thorns starfish and mining giants? What if we just… did more to protect it? Classic.

2. Housing for the homeless

(source: upworthy.com)

The 2011 census states there are over 100,000 homeless people in Australia, but more recent data suggests there could be up to 300,000 people sleeping rough. Imagine if we built more social housing to help home some of these people?

3. East Coast Railway

(source: wifflegif.com)

That train which for years everyone’s been like “we’re gonna build it! we’re gonna do it!” Yeah it’s gonna cost a lot more than $122 million but what if we actually started to invest in it?

4. More airports

(source: laughtilldeathh.tumblr.com)

I don’t know why, but I hear people talk about it a lot. So why the hell not, lets get some more airports.

5. A new space station

(source: thats-n0-moon.tumblr.com)

While we’re on the topic of flying, why not just go into outer space while we’re at it. (Except the moon, don’t go there)

6. Flying monkeys

(source: totalfilm.tumblr.com)

Because that’s equally as ridiculous as spending $122 million on a NON-BINDING postal vote for marriage equality which is something that could just be passed in parliament because that’s literally what we elect politicians to do?

7. The big rainbow

Being in your twenties is a complicated time. It’s a time where you’re starting to discover who you are while often juggling work, study, family, friends and relationships. It can start to be a bit overwhelming.

Any new relationship can be scary, fun and enticing at the same time. But if there was any clue as to the likeliness of your relationship working out, wouldn’t you want to know it?

(source: giphy.com)

For some, they choose to look to the star, to see if the astrology of their potential partner is an indicator of whether or not they are compatible. Sometimes it is just an afterthought, like when you break up with someone and say to yourself “oh well, he was a Taurus, so it’s no wonder things didn’t work out!”

However, there really is no substantial evidence as to whether astrology is accurate or not. Vlogger and biologist Hank Green took to Twitter saying “astrology is not a thing, but if it helps people analyse themselves and ponder their decisions and their future.”

Like astrology…astrology is not a thing, but if it helps people analyze themselves and ponder their decisions and their future, who cares?

Although Hank Green has a science background, he has no specific knowledge in Astrology. But with a large online following his words always have a wide reach. Other well known scientists, including ethologist Richard Dawkins, have gone out of their way to publicly pronounce there is no scientific evidence that links the placement of the cosmos to the likeliness of life events.

Professor at The University of Essex, Nick Allum, adds that it is common for people to confuse astrology with science. He argues there is often a confusion between astronomy and astrology, not just because of the similar names, but also due to the similarity in the study.

(source: dianapietrzykd.com)

For professional astrologers, scientific evidence is not necessary, as astrology is largely regarded as a belief system. For each astrologer, how they go about this belief system simply depends on their own undertakings of the study.

Professional astrologer Ashtara, says her work is deeply psychological with a spiritual undertone.

“I like to work with my clients on a soul level rather than superficially,” she said.

Her knowledge on the compatibility between different signs makes her an asset to those trying to figure out their own compatibility.

Given the chance to know the likeliness of a potential relationship working out, six eager volunteers agreed to go on blind dates to find out if what the stars say is true.

Alex, 19, Engineering Student + Chloe, 19, Design Student

Sagittarius and Leo– The Perfect Match

(source: iscreamsundae.com)

“First thought for me was he looks a lot better than the photos,” Chloe said with a laugh after her blind date with Alex.
“From the start he was really easy to talk to.”

Alex, an engineering student described Chloe as ‘colourful’ after seeing her bright pink hair for the first time. Initially he was taken aback by Chloe, but when the conversation started flowing everything changed.

“Once we started talking we had a lot in common,” Alex said.
“It was a surprise.”

“I feel like on an intellectual level there was a very good connection, and he was pretty cute,” Chloe said with a big grin on her face.After going on what both of them considered to be a good first date, Alex and Chloe were stumped to think of things they disliked about each other. Alex looked up to the right in recollection, but failed to think of anything. Similarly, Chloecouldn’t fault Alex.

“I guess, there’s nothing I don’t particularly like, it’s the just the fact that, I don’t know what will happen next?” Chloe said. “If there’s something about him that I don’t like, then not yet.”

From just one meeting Alex was able to speak of Chloe in high regard, describing her as smart but ‘not just textbook smart’.Chloe admired Alex’s commitment to detail.

“He had a trait that I really liked. He tried, he tried to dress himself nicely,” she said.

“[I like] people who present themselves nicely, they [and] put effort into their lives,

“I like people who know what they want and go for it. That’s something I like about him, and in general.”

Astrologer Ashtara says the two fire signs, Leo and Sagittarius can easily generate a love.

“Sagittarius will need freedom to explore whereas Leo may want to lead the exploration,” she said.

“The two together can get on well provided each respects the other’s personal space, and spiritual and religious beliefs.”

Saxon, 19, Creative Industries Student + Danni, 21, Photographer

Libra and Taurus – The Wild Card Match

(source: imgur.com)

When Danni and Saxon met there was an instant connection. However unlike Alex and Chloe, this connection was not of the romantic nature.

“I thought she was pretty cool, chill, relaxed,” Saxon said speaking of his initial impression of Danni. They found they were able to get along well from the get go.

“He’s very open, he’s very friendly,” Danni said regarding Saxon.
“I think we are definitely compatible, we have a lot in common a lot of the same interests, we are both very easy going and have a similar sense of humour.”

After spending time together Saxon described Danni as nice and relaxed.

“[Danni’s] not one of those people who were just jumping all over the conversations,” he said.

Despite admiring many of Danni’s qualities, Saxon didn’t feel as they could be anything more than just friends.He reflected on what differed Danni from the sort of person he would normally date.

“It’s hard because I’ve never really thought about that sort of thing,” he said after a long pause.

Danni’s reaction was similar. After stopping to think for a while, she said she preferred to date people who were more independent. Saxon being her junior by two years definitely had an influence on her impression.

“Humour is definitely a big one, I can’t date someone without a sense of humour… I like people to be really friendly and not uptight,” she said.

On terms of compatibility, they sat on the same page.

“As friends yeah, anything more than that no,” Saxon said.

As for seeing each other again? “Yes! Probably not in a romantic aspect, just as friends,” Danni said with a laugh.

Ashtara says the earth sign, Taurus, and air sign, Libra, have the ability to get along really well.

“[They] can experience a harmonious and balanced relationship, especially when their values are aligned,” she said.

Jacob, 20, Content Producer + Lizzy, 20, Speech Pathology Student

Virgo and Aries – The Bad Match

(source: afv.com)

Just like any two strangers meeting for the first time, Lizzy and Jacob were eager to see how their blind date would go.

“I was just really scared,” Lizzy said nervously laughing.

Both Jacob and Lizzy were really stuck for words to describe their date.

“It was fun,” Lizzy said without much else to elaborate on. Jacob described the experience as “pretty chill” but didn’t offer any further detail. It was obvious the two of them were trying to be nice, but there was no obvious connection.

Initially Lizzy didn’t have much to say about how compatible she felt with Jacob.

“It’s so hard to make that assumption from just looking at someone,” she said.

“He just seemed really kind.”

Similarly, Jacob couldn’t find the words to describe how he felt initially.

“I honestly couldn’t say, it wasn’t something that crossed my mind at that point,” he said.

Although Lizzy didn’t have anything bad to say about Jacob, she barely had anything overtly positive to say.

“I don’t know, I thought he was cool,” she said, unable to think of anything else.

In spite of Jacob not feeling a strong connection with Lizzy, he didn’t want to completely rule out the possibility.

“I wouldn’t say fully [compatible],” he said.

“The conversation sort of died off towards the end, but I suppose that’s normal for someone you just met,

“I didn’t feel like there was really anything special there, but it was still a nice time.”

In terms of whether they would want to see each other again, neither had a definitive answer. Lizzy said she would maybe want to see Jacob, whereas Jacob said maybe in a social context.

Ashtara explained that Virgo and Aries have very different personalities.

“Virgo, an earth sign is usually practical and efficient, absorbed in task,” she said.

“Aries, a fire sign, can be impulsive and think only of self,

“The relationship could work well if Virgo works with the detail and routine of everyday living while Aries pursues activities.”

1. The food is bad

(source: mashable.com)

Seriously, have you ever been with a group of friends trying to decide where to eat and had someone say, “why don’t we check out one of those restaurants on the moon?” No. Because the moon has a terrible selection of food. Not to mention they don’t cater to ANY dietary requirements.

2. There’s no where to pee

(source: imgur.com)

I hope you like adult diapers because that’s what you’re going to be wearing if you head to the moon – and not in a kinky way. They don’t even have drop toilets on the moon, that’s how backwards it is!

3. It takes ages to get there

(source: imgur.com)

You think it takes ages to get to Europe? Around 20 hours flying time? Well guess what, it takes THREE DAYS to get to the moon. So not even worth the travel time.

4. Spacesuits aren’t cool anymore

(source: nasa.com)

Spacesuits really hit their peak in the 60’s when they were shiny, silver, and the height of fashion. These days, they’re just boring and “practical”, definitely not instagramable.

5. It’s really cold

(source: SYFY.com)

Think it’s cold when it’s only 2 degrees in the morning? What about when it hits negatives and it’s -5 c? WELL GUESS WHAT?! The moon gets to around negative 233 c! Absolutely freezing! You’d need at least 50 coats!

6. There’s no wifi

(source: comedycentral.com)

Even if you did want to instagram your trip to the moon (like you would, the food sucks and so does the fashion) you couldn’t anyways because they haven’t discovered this little thing called “the internet”. So pathetic.

7. Whenever you light your vanilla-spy candle it goes out straight away so you don’t get a good whiff

(source: reddit.com)

Honestly, why did I even bother bringing this candle with me? The moon is so inconsiderate.

8. Aliens can be dicks

(source: simpsonsworld.com)

You know when you break up with someone and you’re like “I’m swearing off humans for good, they’re just the worst!” Wake up Sharon! Aliens can be assholes too!

9. Public transport is unreliable

(source: giphy.com)

Oh my god, don’t even bother waiting for your train! It’s not showing up. There aren’t even train tracks on the moon. And don’t get me started on buses.

10. You can’t have pets

(source: hercampus.com)

You know that one real estate agent who you’ve always kind of hated because of the fact they said you can’t have pets? Yeah, the moon is even worse. You can’t have one single thing that’s good so why even bother going?

10. Take hundreds of photos of lanterns

11. Be sad when you see all the adorable street dogs and know that you can’t pat them

12. Get sunburnt

Today I’d like to share with you all are very important piece of information that our travel agent failed to ever mention. If you ever want to visit Vietnam you need to have your visa pre-approved BEFORE you leave Australia.

Which is what lead us to running over to Flight Centre 45 minutes before boarding, paying out over $200 each, and freaking the hell out as the time ticked by to get an emergency pre-approval.

Luckily, going through customs with an Australian passport only takes seconds now. There’s no exit forms anymore, your passport goes through this cool scanner thing which is almost instant and before you know it, they’re letting you leave the country. Pretty cool right?

Fast forward eight hours and we’re in Changi Airport. Other than the obvious post plane ride dump (don’t pretend you don’t know EXACTLY what I’m talking about) the first thing we did was head to find a Starbucks. I guess you could say we’re super cultured because for breakfast obviously the best choice was also Maccas – hash browns anyone?

We walked into a few duty free stores, realising that most of this stuff we could just buy as knock offs once we hit Vietnam, and that the duty free prices weren’t really any better than prices back home.

However the highlight of Changi Airport (terminal 2 specifically) had to be the roof top sunflower garden. WHY WAS IT THERE? I don’t even care I was literally so happy to see these gorgeous flowers I didn’t even care that the temperatures were in the mid thirties with humidity so high you sweat from the moment you step outside. It didn’t matter. THERE WERE SO MANY SUNFLOWERS.

A quick bathroom stop, and before we know it we’re on our way to Da Nang, or as the airport code would suggest DAD.All is well as we travel over and have our third breakfast for the day.

It isn’t until we arrive at the airport that we realise we were meant to get passport photos taken for our visas in singapore. Oh shit.We stand there overtired, trying to talk to a guy with very little English, who luckily after handing over who knows how much Vietnamese dong, comes back with visas in our passports, ready to be let into the country.

Next, we’re outside the airport with our driver ready to take us to the hotel.We were pretty soon to discover this country really doesn’t have any road rules. It’s simply just honk constantly and hope for the best. We drove past a literal scarecrow being used as a road works conductor, saw people driving down the wrong side of the road and found 90% of drivers were on motorbikes or mopeds (Macklemore would love it).

At the hotel in 34 degree heat, we strip into our swimmers as fast as possible and jump straight into the pool, ordering multiple cocktails immediately, which during happy hour were as cheap as AU$3.50!!!!